Airbnb does not operate in mainland China, but other platforms offer similar short-term rental services there

Airbnb shut down its mainland China operations in July 2022. The company stopped accepting new bookings and removed all listings from the platform. If you are planning a trip to China and want to book a short-term rental, you will need to use Chinese platforms instead — the most common being Meituan (which acquired Airbnb's China business), Xiaozhu, Tujia, and local hotel booking sites like Ctrip and Booking.com's China operations.

The rental market in China works differently from Western platforms. Most properties are listed on multiple Chinese sites at once, prices are often negotiable, and landlords typically communicate through WeChat or phone calls rather than in-app messaging. You will also need a Chinese phone number or a way to receive SMS verification codes, which can be a barrier if you are arriving as a tourist.

Key Takeaways

  • Airbnb stopped operating in mainland China in 2022, so you cannot book through the app there.
  • Meituan, Xiaozhu, and Tujia are the main platforms where Chinese landlords list short-term rentals.
  • Most Chinese rental platforms require a Chinese phone number or WeChat account to complete a booking.
  • Prices on Chinese platforms are often negotiable, and landlords may contact you directly through WeChat to discuss terms.
  • International hotel chains and Ctrip (China's largest travel booking site) also offer short-term apartment rentals alongside hotel rooms.

Why Airbnb left mainland China

Airbnb's exit was driven by stricter Chinese regulations on short-term rentals and increased competition from local platforms that understood the market better. The Chinese government has tightened rules around home-sharing, requiring landlords to register properties and pay taxes — rules that foreign companies found harder to enforce than domestic ones.

Airbnb sold its China business to Meituan, a Chinese tech company that already operated food delivery and hotel booking services. Meituan integrated Airbnb's listings into its own platform, so some of the properties that were once on Airbnb are now listed under Meituan's name.

Meituan: the main platform for short-term rentals

Meituan is now the largest short-term rental platform in China. It operates much like Airbnb did — you search by city and date, see photos and reviews, and book directly. The app is available in English, though the website is primarily in Chinese. You can read Meituan from the App Store or Google Play, or visit meituan.com.

To book on Meituan, you will need a Chinese phone number to receive a verification code. If you do not have one, you can ask your hotel to help you register, or use a temporary Chinese SIM card (available at airports). Payment is usually through Alipay or WeChat Pay, though some listings accept international credit cards.

Prices on Meituan tend to be lower than Airbnb was in China, and the platform has a large inventory of apartments in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Hangzhou. Reviews are written by previous guests and are generally reliable.

Xiaozhu and Tujia: alternatives to Meituan

Xiaozhu (xiaozhu.com) and Tujia (tujia.com) are two other major platforms for short-term rentals in China. Both operate independently and have thousands of listings across the country. Xiaozhu focuses on apartment rentals, while Tujia includes both apartments and vacation homes.

Both platforms have English-language versions of their websites, making them easier to navigate than some Chinese sites. Like Meituan, they require a phone number for verification and accept Alipay or WeChat Pay. Prices and availability vary between platforms, so it is worth checking all three if you are flexible on dates or location.

Landlords on these platforms are often willing to negotiate on price, especially for longer stays or off-season bookings. You may receive a message from the landlord through the app or WeChat asking if you would accept a lower rate — this is normal and expected.

Using Ctrip and international hotel sites

Ctrip (ctrip.com) is China's largest travel booking platform and includes short-term apartment rentals alongside hotel rooms. It has an English-language site and accepts international payment methods, making it a good option if you want to avoid WeChat Pay or Alipay. Ctrip's apartment inventory is smaller than Meituan's, but the platform is reliable and widely used by both Chinese and international travelers.

Booking.com also operates in China and lists some short-term rentals, though its selection is much smaller than the Chinese platforms. If you are already familiar with Booking.com and want to stick with it, you can search for apartments there, but you will likely find better prices and more options on Meituan or Xiaozhu.

What you need to book a rental in China

Before you search, have these items ready: a valid passport, a way to receive SMS verification codes (a Chinese phone number, a temporary SIM card, or a friend's number), and a payment method accepted by the platform (Alipay, WeChat Pay, or an international credit card if the platform accepts it).

Most platforms will ask for your name, phone number, and email address. Some landlords may also ask for a photo ID or a photo of you holding your passport — this is a security measure and is standard practice. Be prepared to communicate through WeChat, as many landlords prefer it to in-app messaging.

If you are booking from outside China, read a VPN before you arrive, as some international payment methods and websites may be blocked. However, once you are in China, you should be able to access the major rental platforms without a VPN.

Tips for booking safely in China

Read reviews carefully and look for properties with many recent bookings and positive feedback. Check the exact location on a map — some listings use vague addresses or are in areas that are harder to reach than they sound. Message the landlord before booking to confirm the check-in time, whether they provide keys or use a keypad code, and what to do if you arrive late.

Pay through the platform's escrow system, not directly to the landlord. This protects your money until you confirm the property matches the listing. If something is wrong when you arrive, contact the platform's customer service when ready — most have 24-hour support.

Keep a screenshot of your booking confirmation and the landlord's contact information. If you have trouble finding the property or the landlord does not answer, you will need these details to reach customer support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Airbnb in China at all?

No. Airbnb does not operate in mainland China. If you try to search for listings there, the app will show no results. However, Airbnb still operates in Hong Kong and Taiwan, which are separate markets with their own regulations.

Do I need WeChat Pay to book a rental in China?

Most platforms require either WeChat Pay or Alipay, but not all. Ctrip accepts international credit cards, and some listings on Meituan and Xiaozhu do as well. Check the payment options before you book. If you do not have WeChat Pay, you can ask a Chinese friend to help you set it up, or use Ctrip instead.

What if the landlord cancels after I book?

The platform will refund your money to your original payment method. The refund usually takes three to seven business days. If the landlord cancels close to your arrival date, contact customer support — many platforms will offer you a discount on an alternative property or a partial refund as compensation.

Are short-term rentals in China safe?

Yes, the major platforms have safety measures in place, including verified landlord profiles, guest reviews, and customer support. Use the same caution you would on any rental platform: book properties with good reviews, confirm details with the landlord before arrival, and report any issues to the platform when ready.

Can I book a rental in China if I do not speak Chinese?

Yes. Meituan, Ctrip, Xiaozhu, and Tujia all have English-language versions. However, some landlords may only speak Chinese, so having a translation app (like Google Translate) on your phone is helpful. Most landlords are used to international guests and will try to communicate with you.